Celebrate National Libraries Week, April 10

Posted
Thursday, April 7, 2016 12:22 pm

The Manchester Journal

BENNINGTON &GT;&GT; The Bennington Free Library joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating the dynamic changes that are happening in today's libraries. April 10-16 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.

Libraries today are more about what they do, for and with library users as opposed to what they have for patrons. Libraries aren't only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate, learn how to improve their technology skills, or just relax.

Bennington Free Library serves the greater Bennington community by providing research assistance, free access to computers and the internet, and to books, videos, and downloadable audio and e-books. A variety of online resources are available from the library's website, including ChiltonLibrary.com, Powerspeak Languages, Universal Class, and Heritage Quest Online.

"Service to the community has always been the focus of the library," says Lynne Fonteneau McCann, Bennington Free Library Director. "Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking the information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life."

The Bennington Free Library is celebrating National Library Week with a "Fine Free Week." From Monday, April 11 through Saturday, April 16, patrons may return overdue library items without penalty. Also this week, patrons checking out items from the library can enter a raffle featuring a number of special prizes.

Special events will also be held throughout the week: Tuesday, April 12 the Library will participate in Snapshot Day, a statewide initiative in which libraries capture one day in the life of their libraries by gathering photos, user comments, and statistics; the information is aggregated and shared to demonstrate the collective impact Vermont libraries have on their communities on a typical day.

Children's Programs include Story Rhythms for babies and toddlers Tuesday, April 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Drop by the Children's Room throughout the week to explore Jan Brett-inspired discovery centers. Be sure to check out artist Michael Horwitz's fun and imaginative artwork in the Children's Room and exhibited throughout the entire library.

The Library will close at noon Wednesday, April 13 for its annual volunteer reception.

National Library Week ends Saturday, April 16, when the library will show the documentary The Hollywood Librarian: A Look at Librarians through Film at 2 p.m. Laugh at film clips of stereotypical librarians, learn more about the wide variety of library work in the real world, and enjoy free snacks.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April.

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